In the United States alone, more than 8.3 million adults suffer from gout, and men are nearly three times as likely to have it. Since gout can cause agonizing pain and lower your quality of life, Dr. Navrit Randhawa at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center offers the latest treatments. Click on the online booking feature to schedule your gout exam, or call the office directly.
What is gout?
Gout (gouty arthritis) is a seriously painful condition that occurs when uric acid crystals form and get stuck in your joints. Uric acid, which is a byproduct of purine digestion, is normally flushed out through urine.
But if you have a diet high in purine-rich foods — red or organ meats, seafood, or alcohol — uric acid levels can skyrocket and your kidneys just can’t keep up with the extra workload. Uric acid levels can also surge if you have poor kidney functioning.
Uric acid tends to pool in cooler areas of your body. Since your feet, especially your big toes, are the farthest points from your heart, they don’t get as much blood flow and are often cool. Because of this, uric acid tends to reach your feet and just stay there until it crystalizes in your joints.
When should I see a podiatrist for gout?
The primary complaint among gout sufferers is a sharp, stabbing pain that flares up in the middle of the night. In most cases, gout is very intense right at the beginning for several days, then gradually resolves over a week or two. These issues warrant a trip to your podiatrist.
The caring podiatrists at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center also encourage you to come in right away if you experience:
The sooner you schedule a gout evaluation at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center, the quicker you can get relief and even start treatments to lower your risk of future gout issues.
How is gout treated?
Treating gout involves a multifaceted approach to relieve current pain and inflammation, while also working to prevent gout. Your gout treatment plan from Carteret Foot & Ankle Center can include:
To help reduce uric acid levels, your dedicated podiatrist at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center even counsels you on dietary changes you need to make and which purine-rich foods you should avoid.
Before gout starts keeping you from enjoyable activities, see how the team at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center can help. Book your gout exam online or over the phone today.
Schedule your evaluation at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center today. Request an appointment, or call our office to speak with a team member.